JohnsonBunch.freeservers.com
Watauga Lake in northeast Tennessee
THE TOWN THAT WOULDN'T DROWN
The town of Butler, Tennessee experienced devastating floods in 1867, 1886, 1901, 1902, 1916, and 1924. In 1940 a tropical hurricane caused 15 inches of rain to fall. Many homes were carried away and 147 others were flooded. The railroad bridges were destroyed once more and never rebuilt.
In 1942, the Tennessee Valley Authority purchased land along the river's shores and began construction on Watauga Dam to control the frequent flooding and to use the power of the water for electricity. Work on the dam was completed in 1948, and the gates were closed, forming Watauga Lake which soon filled and covered what was once the town. Approximately 500 to 600 residents had to move. Many had their homes moved to higher ground on what became the new Butler. The original town remained underwater until 1983, when a draw down of the lake uncovered the remains of the town for a brief time, allowing former residents to visit the site. Stone foundations from the old buildings were visible. Draw downs are scheduled every 30 years to check the structual integrity of the dam beneath the water line.
Watauga lake sits amongst the Appalachian mountains near the North Carolina border at 1965 feet above sea level. The lake depth is over 300 feet nearest the dam, and well over 100 feet at the middle of its branches. "Watauga" is indian for broken glass, named for its jagged appearance between mountains.
(Historical photos are from the Butler Museum.)
The location ot the dam circa 1940s, about 300 feet to top.
Location of the old city of Butler, Tennesee, before and after dam created Watauga Lake.
Homes were moved from the river banks to hilltops before the area was flooded.
Map of Watauga Lake. Click for larger image.
Sugar Grove Church Road property in spring.
Sugar Grove Church Road property in fall.
View from the lake of the home we plan to build on the other lot.
View from the street. One story with walkout basement.
View from the lake before clearing.
The property being cleared.
View from the Butler Bridge.
Summer sunset on Watauga Lake.
S and S fish from shore.
Fishing near the Watauga River feed.
The girls jump from the remnants of what was once the boathouse.
Tubing by Sugar Grove Church.
Rear view of the first house we built from the lake. The lower level and pillars will be faced in stone. The house we plan to live in will be further to the right where the RV is parked. Remnants of our old dock still remain.
Great room with knotty pine plank ceiling and remote control gas fireplace.
Kitchen has handcrafted maple cabinets with granite counters and a bar that seats 10.
The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and is plumbed for a gas or electric range.
A path from the properties leads to this private cove with a concrete boat ramp and room for a dock.
The dining room has a beautiful view of the lake, and 12 ft deep wrap-around porches.
The master bath has travertine marble floors, a marble shower, whirlpool tub and his and hers sinks.
View of the rear from a neighboring lot during winter. When leaves are on the tree, the house is not visible at all.
View from the street. The siding is maintenance-free stained wood composite with a 20 year warranty.
